Psychotherapy, also called ‘talk therapy’ is a one-on-one process to deal with emotional and life distress. It offers a non-judgmental, confidential, and safe space for you to reflect on any emotional difficulties with a trained therapist.

Yes, psychotherapy is different from counseling. Psychotherapy is a more in-depth process. It focuses on helping an individual to heal and learn constructive ways to deal with issues. Counseling on the other hand is mostly directive, informative, educational, and/or guidance oriented.

Anyone can enjoy the benefits of psychotherapy, whether you want to set life goals or establish healthy relationships. You don't need to be in a debilitating crisis to get support. If people are proactive about their mental health, they can consider taking regular therapy. The goal of therapy is not to eradicate life problems, since it's not realistic but the goal is to make one comfortable with managing and dealing with uncomfortable situations and emotions. Whilst therapy won’t always make your problems disappear, it can make it much easier to cope with them improving the overall quality of life

Therapy facilitates appropriate psychological stimulation which encourages new growth and improved connectivity and better blood supply to neurons. In accord with this, neuro-biological research shows that therapy increases inhibitory feedback from the prefrontal cortex, which down-regulates the emotional limbic system. Only our "neomammalian" cortex is capable of consciousness and verbal communication, whereas the limbic system (emotion, learning, and memory) influences our actions unconsciously. In therapy, integration between these systems is encouraged by deliberate language (verbal, writing, symbol making) in the context of more primitive feelings. New narratives can be constructed as we become aware of the real relationship between feelings and thoughts, which allows a change in world view, and better decision-making.

If you are committed to making personal changes for greater life satisfaction, then you are ready to seek therapy. Many people believe that they need to be suffering from “mental illness” or severe “psychological problems” for appropriate treatment. This is not the case, anyone can benefit from therapy. Some even choose to come in for the sake of better insight

- Feeling sad or down for prolonged period

- Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate

- Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt

- Extreme mood changes of highs and lows

- Inability to regulate emotions

- Withdrawal from friends and activities

- Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping

- Major changes in eating habits

- Changes in sex drive

- Inability to manage anger, hostility, or violence

- Suicidal thinking

Please note: It is adviced that if these symptoms exist for 14 days or more you should consult a psychologist but in case of suicidal thinking, one must seek help as soon as possible.

Also, the symptoms that involve significant tiredness, sudden changes in eating habits, and low mood can also be due to physiological changes/health issues in that case you should see your primary care doctor as well.

"The initial session is a two-way interview. I interview you but it is also an opportunity for you to size me up and develop opinions about how it would be to work with me.”- Dr. Irvin Yalom

The first session is a bit different, where your therapist will spend some time getting to know you as well as the problems that motivated you to seek help. Most likely, you'll find yourself discussing your current symptoms or difficulties while also briefly mentioning your relationships, interests, strengths, and objectives in life. They will also ask questions to get to know your idea and expectations of therapy. Take this as an opportunity to ask your therapist questions and get to know them as well. The first session usually ends with goal setting or picking out the agendas that the client wishes to focus on

There are many benefits to engaging in therapy. Some of these include: gaining a better understanding of oneself, figuring out life goals and prospects, improving personal relationships, developing coping skills, enhancing problem-solving abilities, making positive changes to problem behaviors, and boosting self-esteem. Your therapist will work with you throughout this process and create space for you to explore within yourself. Outcomes of therapy look different for everyone, but an increased awareness about self, capability to manage emotions, self esteem, better relationships etc. are most common ones.

There are no age restrictions for seeking therapy. In the case of a minor below 18 years,, a separate set of guidelines are adhered to with consent from a legal guardian

We have therapists who work with children. After filling the intake form, the minor will be sent a consent form which needs to be filled by a guardian. It is essential for minors to avail therapy with a guardian's consent by law

Typically, a therapy session is between the therapist and the client. If you wish to bring a partner or a friend along, the procedure for therapy is quite different. The best way to go about this is to communicate your needs with your therapist, and they’ll tell you the best way to follow